For many centuries, Popolocas of southern Mexico, persisted in the shadow of their Aztec conquerors, a tradition that continues in their desert environment.

Learning Objective

Students will learn about the heritage of the Popoloca, an indigenous tribe from central Mexico.

Social Studies Standards

Culture: A, B, C

Discussion Prompts

• Why were cacti so important to the Popoloca people? Describe its uses for food, firewood, and construction materials? As a group, think of an additional use of cacti that wasn’t mentioned in the video.
• Describe how the Popoloca people made items from pottery. Why was this an important skill for them? What is the symbolic meaning?
• What role do cacti play in the economy of the Popoloca people? Why is there an increased international demand for cacti fruit?
• You have been invited to a local Popoloca meal and are served insects, larva and bugs. Will you eat the meal? Why or why not? How does your response compare to that of the host?

Lesson Activities

• Make an infomercial or brochure that explains the production and uses of salt and what role it plays in the economy.
• Create an original design inspired by the embroidery of the Popolocas. Choose an appropriate title and write a caption explaining how your design and color choice reflects the culture of the Popolocas.
• Create an appealing job description tweet for 4-5 careers described in the video. Include the needed training, skills, and other important details about each job. Share your ideas with a partner.
• You have been hired to work at a local restaurant. Create a menu with 3-5 items that includes local foods such as insects and bugs, larva, and other recipes from the video. Your menu should describe each entrée in an enticing way that celebrates the culture.

Vocabulary

• adjacent
• artisan
• commodity
• consignment
• empire
• locality
• millennium
• renowned
• replete
• vessel

Download

In the Americas Season 11 Lesson Episode 3